Repairs Set for Sandy-Ravaged Highway in N.J.

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner, James S. Simpson, right, looks on as Gov. Chris Christie smiles Tuesday in Lavallette, N.J., while making an announcement on the reconstruction of Route 35.

Route 35 in New Jersey is getting a $215 million facelift to overcome the damage left by superstorm Sandy.

The large-scale reconstruction of some 12.5 miles between Point Pleasant and Island Beach State Island will include new asphalt, sidewalks, drainage systems, and pump stations, said Gov. Chris Christie at a press conference Tuesday.

“Our decision is to rebuild better and rebuild now,” said Christie.

The money is coming from federal coffers, and the first of three contracts for the reconstruction is expected to go up for bid next month, according to James Simpson, commissioner of the state Department of Transportation.

Work will start this summer on the roadway, Simpson said. The state DOT will seek to minimize traffic disturbances for residents and tourists, he said. and all work should be completed by 2015.

Before Sandy, which cut a path of damage across the region on Oct. 29, Route 35 had been slated for a six-year rebuilding process. “And then we lost our drainage systems,” Simpson said about the aftermath of the storm. “They are gone.”

He said the resulting damage has accelerated the timetable for reconstruction.